Chapter 151: The Champions’ Declarations!

"Welcome to the first-ever 'Tom Tree Performance Contest', sponsored by Dream Hypercars, Miltank Milk, Psyduck Trade Association, Devon Corporation, and Dragonite Department Store! For herbal tea, drink Abomasnow Herbal Tea — the best choice for cooling down during the hot summer season!" On TV, a sharply dressed host rattled off the sponsor names and slogans at lightning speed.

"Not bad at all." Edward smacked his lips. These hosts were really something. He had flawlessly memorized that whole list of sponsor names and taglines, enunciated each word clearly, and didn't trip up once. Truly a professional.

What surprised Edward even more was the sheer number of sponsors backing the event — and not just any sponsors, but big names like Dream Hypercars, a top-tier brand renowned across the entire Pokémon League.

Just last year, Dream Hypercars released their latest model in the "Transcendence Series," with only five units allocated per League region. Only the ultra-rich and powerful could afford them.

Edward owned one himself. But since he didn't have a driver's license yet, it just sat idle in his garage.

"Yeah, I didn't expect it either," said his older brother, seated beside him, a dark look in his eyes. "I'm already a Champion, and now I'm being asked to train my Pokémon on how to split a tree with a crotch attack."

Cold sweat formed on Edward's forehead.

"Hahaha, Steven, isn't this proof of how popular your little brother is now?" Their father, Joseph, laughed heartily. His cheerful face bore deepening wrinkles, the kind that came with age and pride.

Steven shrugged. He wasn't actually mad at his brother. But thinking about how he had to give up precious mining time to coach his Pokémon on crotch-splitting techniques — well, it filled him with a strange sense of inner turmoil.

Edward awkwardly patted Little Q on the head.

The Hoenn League had moved astonishingly fast with this event. Edward had received the notification that very morning, and by the afternoon, the event was already being live-streamed.

Yes — this time, the Hoenn League had boldly chosen full live broadcast.

They'd even notified the other League regions, and somehow, incredibly, the other regions had actually agreed to join in.

As a result—

"Now let's interview a contestant from the Kanto region! Indigo Champion Lance Wataru!" the television switched to a shot of Lance, whose face bore a forced smile. In stark contrast to his strained expression was the jubilant, over-the-moon Dragonite standing proudly behind him.

"Champion Lance, why did you decide to participate in this competition?" asked the host, standing beside him with a professional smile.

"Because... because it's the League's decision. And it's also a good opportunity to showcase the harmony between humans and Pokémon," Lance said after taking several deep breaths, adjusting his expression multiple times until he could finally squeeze out a public-relations smile.

The host, clearly aware of how reluctant Lance sounded, didn't press further. Instead, he turned his attention to the lively Dragonite behind him.

Dragonite, in stark contrast to Lance, was absolutely buzzing with energy. It stood on tiptoes, wagging its tail, its entire demeanor practically screaming, "Interview me and you'll get headline news!"

Seizing the opportunity, the host boldly stepped forward.

"Champion Lance, is this your competition Pokémon? Your Dragonite seems quite determined to win the championship!" the host asked with a smile.

Before Lance could answer, Dragonite let out a loud roar and took to the sky.

It immediately locked onto a large banyan tree nearby, then shot high into the air — so high that it almost disappeared from view.

The cameraman quickly followed with a tracking shot, but even through the lens, Dragonite was barely visible.

Lance's face turned dark.

He hadn't even had time to stop it — and now, in the middle of a live broadcast watched by the entire League, what was he supposed to do?

The next second, a sonic boom cloud exploded across the sky. Accompanied by a fierce burst of wind, a glowing streak shot downward from the heavens, cleaving the banyan tree cleanly in half before stopping just shy of the ground. When the glow faded, the attacker's identity was revealed:

Lance's Dragonite.

It hovered triumphantly, wagging its tail in glee, clearly pleased with itself as it returned to Lance's side. On screen, Lance's face twisted in frustration — but only for a moment, before reverting to that practiced, plastic smile.

"..."

Edward silently watched the TV screen, staring at Lance's face. Then, unable to hold it in, he covered his own face.

It was over. Absolutely over.

Lance was clearly forced into this. Which begged the question: what about the other regional Champions? Were they participating too? If so, how were they feeling?

Edward didn't know for sure, but judging by Lance's expression, he could guess their feelings were similarly... conflicted. That twisted face just now looked like something out of a ghost possession scene.

"...Brother." Edward suddenly felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his big brother's solemn face.

"When the Champions all gang up to beat you down... could you help me get their autographs?" Steven gave a gentle, cheerful smile.

Edward broke down.

Yep, no doubt about it — definitely his biological brother.

"Maybe... maybe it's just Lance participating?" Edward still clung to a shred of hope.

"According to the latest news received by our station, every regional Champion of the Pokémon League has confirmed their participation in the Tom Tree Performance Contest! So what are you waiting for? Take out your phones and vote for your favorite Champion now!" The announcer's excited voice rang out from the television as a string of pre-recorded Champion declarations began to play.

"Though I must say — the strength of Indigo is truly boundless." Lance's face wore the same strained smile from earlier.

Edward glanced sideways at his brother. Steven turned away slightly.

Sure enough, the next scene was Steven's clip.

"In the end... I will be the strongest!" Steven's voice was firm and resolute.

Edward took a deep breath. He was on the verge of losing it.

Steven had even turned his whole body to face away now.

"I will participate. Sinnoh will emerge victorious." Cynthia appeared, her spirit blazing with determination.

"To restore Unova's former glory is a duty I will not shirk!" Alder declared solemnly — in a tone so flat it sounded like he was reading from a teleprompter.

"Please allow me to bring home the championship trophy~" Diantha stuck out her tongue playfully.

"Hahaha! Here in Alola, crotch-splitting trees is everyone's favorite activity! Alola!" Professor Kukui flashed his trademark giant grin.

"I've never lost before — and I'll be bringing the title back to Galar!" Leon still radiated his usual confidence.

Finally, there was Geeta.

"Champion tier? I am the strongest Champion!" Her eyes sparkled with ambition and certainty.

Edward scratched his head.

Wasn't this supposed to be a crotch-splitting tree competition?

Why did it suddenly feel so... epic?

"Edward, you know," said his father with a kindly smile, "every Champion is actually quite curious about how strong the others are."

(End of Chapter)